The Stax thread (New)

[Veniogenesis]

What is the general consensus on the SRD-X series of transformers? I tried doing some searches, but found no real answers. Can anyone give insights as to how well it performs and how it would compare to today's SR-001 for example. Thanks you guys!

 

[Carl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veniogenesis /img/forum/go_quote.gif What is the general consensus on the SRD-X series of transformers? I tried doing some searches, but found no real answers. Can anyone give insights as to how well it performs and how it would compare to today's SR-001 for example. Thanks you guys!

I think the circuit in the SRD-X is close or identical to the SRM-X, just with the removal of the battery bay, cosmetic changes, and the death to that horrible 1/4" plug rather than RCA inputs happening with the latter.

If someone wants to flip the lid on their SRD-X and photograph the board we'll be able to confirm this.


Edit: Actually, I should note that there was three different version of the SRD-X family (SRD-X, SRD-X Pro, SRD-P) and not all of them share the above foibles. The series slowly developed into the SRM-X through a slow evolution rather than some sudden revolution on Stax's part.

And on that subject, who's up for a wager? Are these transformers power transformers or audio transformers?

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hirsch /img/forum/go_quote.gif The price is climbing on these: http://cgi.ebay.com/1-Or-More-Tube-6...QQcmdZViewItem but at $12/tube is still not unreasonable. The short-plate Japanese Raytheon's (I've also seen them as several other brands, including Toshiba, who I suspect may be the actual manufacturer) are as good as I've heard the 007t sound, and I've also heard them in a friend's 006t (just as good there). Long-plate US made Raytheon tubes are not the same, and in my opinion the Japanese tubes are superior. Spritzer has posted biasing instructions for the 006t in this or the old Stax thread, IIRC.

Thanks a lot for the tip!
I ordered some, to try out in my 007t.

 

[Snacks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downrange /img/forum/go_quote.gif I discussed the dual control issue with Justin, and concluded I'd rather keep it. The front panel looks unbalanced with just the one knob, imo. Doesn't seem to be that big a deal to just turn both controls, to me... Can't wait to try out my KGSS!

Ditto on both counts; I cannot wait, and I'm going to keep my KGSS as is.

 

[Snacks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl /img/forum/go_quote.gif Blutack seems to have tamed my SC4070s somewhat. I's interesting how little changes can make big differences in sound.

What does the SC stand for?
What seems to have been tamed?
And what are the differences?

Note: SIA if you've posted the answers to these questions elsewhere.

 

[Carl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snacks /img/forum/go_quote.gif What does the SC stand for? What seems to have been tamed? And what are the differences? Note: SIA if you've posted the answers to these questions elsewhere.

"Stax cryogenic" maybe? This is just speculation.

I like the SC1 over the 404 in conventional form as the former has a clearer, more intense presentation than the pedestrian one of the 404, but that fondness isn't carried over when the drivers are mounted in the 4070 housing for whatever reason. The SC4070 has a sharpness, a glare to it that I've never been able to get rid of. The resolution is comparable to the Omega IIs, but the urge to throw the headphones off my head (similar to a gagging reflex) makes that pairing unworkable.

A shame really, as I really felt the potential was there. Oh well, you win some you lose some.

 

[Snacks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl /img/forum/go_quote.gif "Stax cryogenic" maybe? This is just speculation. I like the SC1 over the 404 in conventional form as the former has a clearer, more intense presentation than the pedestrian one of the 404, but that fondness isn't carried over when the drivers are mounted in the 4070 housing for whatever reason. The SC4070 has a sharpness, a glare to it that I've never been able to get rid of. The resolution is comparable to the Omega IIs, but the urge to throw the headphones off my head (similar to a gagging reflex) makes that pairing unworkable. A shame really, as I really felt the potential was there. Oh well, you win some you lose some.

Interesting; I cannot wait for my little 4070/OII show down!
---
Q: Are the housings made of balsa wood?
By the looks/feel, I cannot tell.

 

[Carl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snacks /img/forum/go_quote.gif Q: Are the housings made of balsa wood? By the looks/feel, I cannot tell.

Not sure what it's made out of.

 

[spritzer]

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Originally Posted by ericj /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well I finished cleaning stuff, cut some new foam blocks for the earcups, and got my ESP.9 reassembled. Also figured out the AC wiring for the E.9 energizer and gave it an appropriately dorky looking black rubber 3 prong plug. Hooked them up to my recently rebuilt Akai 2x50w power amp and a Carver CT-3 preamp. And, they work! Mostly. They seem to distort kinda easily. Especially the left side. I even saw some sparks at one point. I'm pretty sure i cleaned all the detritus out from the drivers. Is this just a "not been used in years and years" issue, or is there some other problem i should look for?

This sound like a bad connection problem. Did clean and resolder the PCB's in the cups? These get tarnished easily. There could also be some tiny dirt inside the drivers that needs to be burned off. This could also be a bias issue so let the phones sit for a few hours playing music and see what happens.

 

[niels]

Still have some questions about srm-006t.
I do not have a manual for this unit, any ideas ? Copies etc...
Regarding the tube brand, any standards for tubes from factory ? Has this been the same tubes always or ?
I bought two from the link earlier, but also saw some Tung Sol and Sylvania for sale....
Do you normally leave the unit powered up always ? I dont use it every day...
Any experience with power cords ? This unit is said to be cord sensitive, I cant say I noticed this. Changed the original for an Isotek but cant tell a difference...

 

[Carl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by niels /img/forum/go_quote.gif Regarding the tube brand, any standards for tubes from factory ? Has this been the same tubes always or ?

Stax have used new production Elektronska Industrija tubes for years now. They make alright tubes, but their 6CG7 appears to sound rather boring, so isn't really the ticket for the 006t.

 

[Downrange]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl /img/forum/go_quote.gif Stax have used new production Elektronska Industrija tubes for years now. They make alright tubes, but their 6CG7 appears to sound rather boring, so isn't really the ticket for the 006t.

Mine seem to have "GE" markings?

 

[ericj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spritzer /img/forum/go_quote.gif This sound like a bad connection problem. Did clean and resolder the PCB's in the cups? These get tarnished easily. There could also be some tiny dirt inside the drivers that needs to be burned off. This could also be a bias issue so let the phones sit for a few hours playing music and see what happens.

Well, this morning they sound much worse. I left them plugged into the energizer overnight, but the energizer was switched off.

I'd carefully cleaned the boards but i hadn't gone to the extent of removing oxide from the traces or reflowing the solder. I guess i can do that, and re-check all the little jumper wire connections.

 

[spritzer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericj /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, this morning they sound much worse. I left them plugged into the energizer overnight, but the energizer was switched off. I'd carefully cleaned the boards but i hadn't gone to the extent of removing oxide from the traces or reflowing the solder. I guess i can do that, and re-check all the little jumper wire connections.

I would do that and if that doesn't work they could have some serious and probably terminal issues. If you have any other transformer box, modify the phones so you can drive the drivers directly and remove the E.9 from the equation.

 

[mirumu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veniogenesis /img/forum/go_quote.gif Whoa. I foresee DIY HE90s if that those are indeed legitimate and in stock. Sort of expensive though, not quite sure.

The price of the HE60 transducers doesn't seem that horrendous. Could be interesting for experimentation for sure.